VENTURA COUNTY FOCUS

Women's Group to Endorse Candidates

The local chapter of a national women's organization will meet Wednesday to come up with its list of endorsements for county supervisor.

The Ventura County chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus has already written up a tentative list of endorsements, including incumbent Susan K. Lacey in the 1st District, candidate Kathy Long for the 3rd District and candidate Arlene Fraser for the 5th District.

If the candidates get a nod from the group, they may also end up with money for their campaigns and help in organizing, said Ruth Hibbard, who edits the group's newsletter.

"It's not necessarily money," Hibbard said. "Basically, we try to determine what they most need."

At Wednesday's meeting, the group, which has about 145 local members, will listen to the three candidates and vote on whether to make the endorsements. They will also choose new officers, Hibbard said.

The group is interested in what the candidates believe on such issues as affirmative action, family planning, abortion rights and other women's issues, Hibbard said.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Garden Room at Marie Callender's, 1295 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. Dinner is $15.